Start by soaking the assorted diced candied fruits and golden raisins in 1/2 cup of brandy. Let them sit for at least two hours, although overnight is even better. This soaking intensifies the flavors and ensures they stay moist throughout the baking process.
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Grease and flour two loaf pans, or you can opt for one bundt pan. This step is crucial as it prevents the cake from sticking, ensuring a beautiful presentation.
In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, allspice, and cinnamon. Mix these dry ingredients until evenly blended. This ensures that the leavening and spices distribute uniformly throughout the cake.
In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter and 2 cups of light brown sugar until light and fluffy. This will take about 5–7 minutes. The creaming process introduces air, which helps the cake rise beautifully.
Beat in 4 large eggs one at a time, allowing each egg to fully incorporate before adding the next. Then, mix in 3/4 cup of brewed coffee and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. The coffee here adds richness, making each bite unforgettable.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, folding it in gently. Avoid overmixing to keep your cake tender.
After the batter is ready, fold in the soaked fruits and chopped pecans. Incorporate them carefully so they’re evenly distributed without breaking apart.
Spoon the batter into the prepared loaf or bundt pans. If you’d like to add extra decoration, sprinkle some whole pecans and candied fruit on top.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking for doneness around the 1-hour mark.
Once out of the oven, let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Carefully turn it out onto a wire rack. While it’s still warm, sprinkle 2 cups of extra brandy over the cake. This step ensures maximum flavor and moistness.
Allow your Neiman Marcus fruitcake to cool completely before slicing.